Local Player Loaned to Independence From MLS Revolution

The Charlotte Independence have received Donnie Smith on loan from the MLS' New England Revolution.

Charlotte (N.C.) On Wednesday, the Charlotte Independence announced they have acquired defender, Donnie Smith on loan from the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Smith spent the last four season with the Revolution with loan stints to the Rochester Rhinos. The Matthews, North Carolina native is a product of Charlotte Soccer Academy.

“I’m really excited to be here,” said Smith. “My family is from [Charlotte] area. It's just a comfortable situation.”

As a four-year player at UNC Charlotte, Smith scored 18 goals with 10 assists in 82 appearances (45 starts) for the Forty-Niners. From 2010-12, Smith was named to the Atlantic-10 All-Conference team and in 2012 was named the Conference Midfielder of the Year. In 2011, Smith helped propel Charlotte to a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.

“I ended up playing against Enzo [Martinez] in the National Championship game my Junior year,” said Smith. “We lost to Chapel Hill 1-0.”

Smith attended Charlotte Catholic High School and helped the squad capture a 3A State Championship in 2008. The following year, Smith was named the MVP of the North Carolina East-West All Star game.

In 2015, Smith faced the Independence as a New England center back starter in the fourth-round U.S. Open Cup. The Independence captured the franchise’s first win over a MLS opponent in that match due to Jorge Herrera’s Goal of the Year.

“I remember it was a 1-0 game,” said Smith. “Jorge [Herrera] hit a banger off a counter [attack]. I remember it.”

Smith will be available for selection tomorrow as the Independence take on New York Red Bulls II at Eagle Field on the campus of Winthrop University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. For ticket information, please visit charlotteindependence.com or call 704-206-1515. The Independence will play their remaining home game in Smith’s hometown at the brand new Sportsplex at Matthews beginning Saturday, June 17th.